Bali & Komodo Dragons

Your heart will leap as you spot a prehistoric Komodo dragon lumbering through the dry forest on a remote Balinese island where pristine, pink-hued beaches play second fiddle to its fascinating reptile inhabitants.

Interact with mountain farmers as you trek through aromatic coffee, clove and cacao plantations that surround Munduk village; refresh your senses in the crystalline waters of a remote waterfall; discover the lush terraced rice fields of Jatiluwih; visit a holy temple on the southern slope of Batukaru Mountain; view the Klungkung ceiling murals in the 18th century Kerta Gosa; visit Besakih temple on the slopes of Bali’s highest volcano; and see the ancient statues carved into the cliff face at Gunung Kawi temple. Elsewhere, take a speedboat from Labuhan Bajo to Batu Cermin cave and an Ujung fishing village; venture deep into Komodo National Park where you’ll search the dry forest for a glimpse of the prehistoric Komodo dragon; and snorkel the clear waters off pristine Pink Beach. In South Bali, witness an incredible sunset from the 11th century Uluwatu temple perched precariously atop sheer coastal cliffs.

From the simple pleasure of the wide smiles of the warm and welcoming Balinese people, to magnificent golden temples, vibrant terraced rice paddies, pink-hued beaches and a wild encounter with Indonesia’s prehistoric icon, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in Bali. Your experienced team of local guides and private drivers will ensure you get the most from every experience, and a range of refined spa resorts and luxury beach hotels will impress.

Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.

Itinerary

Day 1: South Bali - Ubud

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Accommodation: Komaneka Monkey Forest (4.5*)

Jatiluwih Rice Field

Day 2: Bali - Ubud

Depart in the morning from your hotel and transfer to the Munduk village. Upon arrival, enjoy a beautiful trekking experience through coffee plants, cloves, cacao, and other exotic tropical plantations around the village. Your guide will give you the insight to mountain farming life and the importance of the plantations that once attracted the arrival of Europeans to the archipelago. Visit the waterfall with its refreshing breezes - a great photo opportunity. After, enjoy a short refreshment, carry on to Jatiluwih where you can enjoy a pleasant walk to discover the beautiful terrace rice fields of Jatiluwih, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting Jatiluwih, stop for lunch at the G Terrace Restaurant while enjoying the lovely views over the paddy (beverages are not included). Afterwards, continue your visit to the holy site of Batukaru Temple, located on the southern slope of Batukaru Mountain.

Accommodation: Komaneka Monkey Forest (4.5*)

Mother Temple of Besakih

Day 3: Bali - Ubud

Start the day with a visit to Kerta Gosa, or Hall of Justice, built in 18th century in Klungkung. It is beautifully laid out within a moat and provides an exquisite example of the Klungkung style of painting and architecture which can be seen in the ceiling murals. Continue through spectacular views of terraced rice fields to Besakih temple, located on the slope of Mount Agung, Bali's highest volcano. It's called Mother Temple of Bali as it houses ancestral shrines for all Hindu Balinese and a complex of nearly 24 temples. The next stop iwill be Kintamani, where you can enjoy your lunch with a breathtaking view over the caldera lake, Danau Batur. Driving down, arrive in the bottom of a lush green valley where the Gunung Kawi temple, Bali's largest ancient monument is located. It consists of 10 rock-cut shrine memorials standing 7 meters high in sheltered niches cut into the sheer cliff face. End the tour with a stop at Goa Gajah before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation: Komaneka Monkey Forest (4.5*)

Labuan Bajo

Plataran Komodo Resort

Day 4: South Bali - Bali - Labuan Bajo

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in South Bali and transferred by private vehicle to Denpasar airport.

Fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo. Flight time is approximately 1 hour.

Upon arrival at Labuan Bajo airport on western Flores, you will be greeted by a representative and taken by car to Batu Cermin Cave, the Ujung fishermen Village, and the local harbor to see the breathtaking views of the sunset. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night. Lunch will be served at local restaurant.

Accommodation: Plataran Komodo Resort (4*)

Komodo Dragons

Day 5: Komodo Island - Labuan Bajo

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the pier to catch a speedboat to Rinca Island in Komodo National Park. Walk through the typical dry forest and explore the island of Komodo dragons, where you will find not just the dragons but you might also encounter other wild animals like, deer, wild buffalo, long-tailed macaque, wild boar, and numerous birds. Continue the tour to Komodo Island where you will take an afternoon trek in Banunggulung. After you will proceed to Pink Beach where you will be able to swim and snorkel before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Plataran Komodo Resort (4*)

Jimbaran

InterContinental Resort Bali

Day 6: Labuan Bajo - South Bali - Jimbaran

After breakfast you will be transferred to the aiport in Labuan Bajo.

Fly from Labuan Bajo to Bali. Flight time is approximately 1 hour.

Upon arrival in Ngurah Rai airport, you will be greeted by a representative and then directly transferred to your hotel in South Bali.

Accommodation: Intercontinental (4.5*)

Uluwatu Temple

Day 7: Bali - Jimbaran

Enjoy this sunset outing to the southwestern tip of Bali for a visit of the Uluwatu Temple, which is perched on top of cliffs that drop straight into the pounding surf, 250 feet above the sea. This is one of the temples in Bali that was built in the 11th century. Watch the spectacular sunset overlooking the Indian Ocean and enjoy the mystic atmosphere. Witnessing the Kecak Dance performance, well-known as a "monkey dance" will light up your night before you drive to Jimbaran Beach for dinner.

Accommodation: Intercontinental (4.5*)

Day 8: South Bali

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

What's Included:

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Hotels

Suite Room

The Lobby

Komaneka Monkey Forest (4.5*) - Ubud

Located in the center of Ubud, the Komaneka at Monkey Forest is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and an abundance of exotic plants, a veritable oasis in the midst of Ubud's bustling activities and picturesque Monkey Forest Road, with its many wonderful shops, excellent restaurants and easy access to temples, cultural performances, museums and galleries. Komaneka Resorts in Ubud Bali is carefully created to fulfill upscale travelers expectations for a comfortable stay in a spacious luxurious room, surrounded by natural Ubud's beauty. The staff accommodate the guest’s needs and provide guests with excellent Balinese hospitality. Nestled between running streams and rice terraces, Komaneka at Monkey Forest was built for an experience of living with arts and being part of hundreds of years old culture and traditions that flourished in this island. The hotel features many facilities to accommodate guests need such as the pool bar, fine art gallery and gift shop, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, welcome drinks, afternoon tea and Balinese Western Cakes, special dinners, trekking and other various activities.

Plataran Komodo Resort (4*) - Labuan Bajo

Plataran Komodo Resort is the only luxury resort located on the island, a nature reserve east of Flores. Set on a beach in a secluded cove overlooking the Flores Sea, Plataran Komodo is a wilderness hideaway with accommodation in luxury villas. The protected marine park offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in Indonesia, with pristine reefs boasting a rich array of sea life. Plataran Komodo is designed for the ultimate relaxation experience. Intimate, yet spacious, each villa stands on its own amidst a private tropical garden, and includes personalized service, security, and Xanadu restaurant and bar.

Intercontinental (4.5*) - Jimbaran

The Intercontinental Resort is secluded within the boundaries of the exclusive neighborhood of Jimbaran Bay on Bali's southern coastline. The property is a perfect place for those who want to explore the white and sandy beach. Situated only a walk away from Bali's premier tourist areas, the InterContinental Resort is just a short drive from the city center. Blending modern conveniences with traditional Balinese architecture, the 425 luxury rooms offer you maximum comfort The onsite restaurants serve authentic Japanese cuisine as well as Italian specialities and P.J's the hotel bar is an ideal spot to unwind with a refreshing drink. The spa is an oasis of serenity and natural splendor for those seeking to replenish body, mind and soul.

Map

Reviews

Asia
Maynard Fossum ,
December 12, 2014"My trip to China proved to be an outstanding experience. Each location provided excellent learning and entertainment opportunities. The country was very impressive both in its deep history and in the huge modernization that has taken place in recent decades. The tour guides at each location were well informed and able to answer questions while also offering detailed information at all sites. It was a pleasure to be so well taken care of. The guides and drivers were always helpful. The meals on the tour were delicious and varied. I was pleased with the choice of restaurants. The hotels were comfortable and well located. I will recommend Kensington Tours. "

Asia
FayeLaing ,
December 12, 2014"I was a bit nervous about visiting Myanmar. Thanks to the outstanding help and planning via Kensington Tours, everything went off without a hitch!! It was a fantastic experience, that I would recommend to anyone with a spirit of adventure. "

Asia
Craig Gelman ,
December 12, 2014"Fabulous trip. Every aspect from the planning to execution was excellent. "

Asia
Ruth Reinhard ,
December 12, 2014"The trip was fantastic!!!Each guide and driver gave us so much information and were so helpful. They made sure that they took good care of our well being and requests. My husband, who we all call "the reluctant traveler" said, halfway through the trip, where are we going next? He said if he can go with Kensington then he will go anyplace. Thanks for making our trip to China a memorable experience."

Asia
SixtoCastenada Jr. ,
December 12, 2014"100% satisfied! We had a wonderful trip. Our travel adviser, Tony Newman put together a tour that included everywhere we wanted to visit and within our very limited time frame. Conrad, who booked our transportation was very professional. The tour guides, hotel accommodations and transportation arrangements were all excellent. We will be using Kensington Tours again!"

Asia
TerryCreighton ,
December 12, 2014"We were so impressed with all aspects of the trip that Kensington arranged for us - even at short notice. The itinerary was perfectly planned, full of extra activities like riding an elephant and a water buffalo cart ride. The guides were wonderful in all the places we went and the travel was easy between locations. Vietnam is a wonderful destination and Angkor Wat is amazing too. We loved the overnight on the boat in Halong Bay and the train ride to Sapa. The day we spent trekking between indigenous villages in the mountains of Sapa was one of the most interesting days of my life! We have travelled a lot and this was one of the best trips we have ever taken."

Asia
Olive Ramchand ,
June 03, 2014"I have to admit, this was the BEST vacation I ever had. The tour was nothing less than Fantastic! The hotels were great, the guides were great, the transportation was great, the places were great, the people were great, the food was great and last but not least China, itself was out of this world. I'm so glad I booked this tour and would recommend this to anyone. Thanks so much for all your help, your interest and your recommendations. Steve in China was so attentive, he called constantly to make sure everything was fine. We really had a fabulous time and even my jaded husband who normally only seems to care about where the nearest golf course is, was impressed and had a wonderful time.
Thanks again, and unto the next vacation (although I don't know how we would top this one!!)
"

Asia
Jeanne Tarvin ,
April 21, 2014"The tour was absolutely fabulous. It all started with the planning. Kathryn graciously accommodated our tight schedule and multiple needs, including a mid-trip change in plans. The tour guides and drivers were all great and extremely knowledgeable. The accommodations and meals were fantastic. I was apprehensive about going to China not knowing the language but it worked out great!"

Asia
Karen ,
January 15, 2014"We just returned on Monday from our wonderful trip to South Korea, Bangkok and Phuket. I wanted to thank you for all of your hard work in planning our tours and adventures. Everything was spot on, from our arrivals at the airports, to the guides and the tours. I would not hesitate to recommend you and your company. It was truly a wonderful vacation. Thank you again.
"

Asia
Bob Feldman ,
November 19, 2013"I wanted to let you know that our trip to China was great! Everybody enjoyed themselves. When planning a trip I am always concerned about the itinerary, the vehicles and the guides. All 3 of these were great. The guides were particularly good and in this case really made the trip a pleasure. Overall a great trip. Thanks for all you did."